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Dentures and Partial Dentures
Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth that can be taken in and out of your mouth. While dentures will never feel exactly the same as natural teeth, they can offer a reasonable alternative to missing teeth.
There are two main types of dentures: full dentures and partial dentures. Full dentures replace all the teeth missing from an entire upper or lower arch. They have to be completely supported by the gum tissue. Partial dentures replace teeth when only some are missing. An example would be missing molars while the remainder of the teeth are still present. Partial dentures are supported by teeth and gum tissue and tend to be more secure. They are still removable and not as secure as fixed bridges or implant supported restorations.
How do Dentures Work?
With full dentures, a flesh-colored acrylic base fits over your gums. The base of the upper denture covers the palate (the roof of your mouth), while that of the lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe to accommodate your tongue.
Dentures are custom-made in a dental laboratory from impressions taken of your mouth. Teeth are chosen to provide a natural appearance and comfortable chewing. There a various shapes and colors to accomodate all smiles.
Conventional Full Denture
A conventional full denture is placed in your mouth when the teeth are already missing and the oral tissues and bone are normal and supportive.
Immediate Full Denture
An immediate full denture is inserted immediately after the remaining teeth are removed. (Your dentist takes measurements and makes models of your jaw during a prior visit.) While immediate dentures offer the benefit of never having to be without your teeth, they must be relined several months after being inserted. The reason is that the gum tissue and bone supporting the teeth reshapes as it heals and shrinks causing the denture to become loose.
Partial Denture
A partial denture may rest on a metal framework that attaches to your natural teeth. Sometimes crowns are placed on some of your remaining natural teeth to serve as anchors for the partial denture. Partial dentures offer a removable alternative to fixed bridges. A recent innovation in partial denture treatment utilizes a flexible partial denture called a VALPLAST* partial that has no metal clasps or framework. This is more comfortable for some patients
How Long Before I Get Used to My Dentures?
New dentures often feel awkward or uncomfortable for the first few weeks or even months. Eating and speaking with dentures takes practice. The muscles of your cheeks and tongue learn to hold your dentures in place. Excessive saliva flow, a feeling that the tongue does not have adequate room, and minor irritation or soreness are also not unusual.
How Long do Dentures Last?
Over a period of time (often several years), your denture will need to be relined, remade, or rebased due to normal wear. Rebasing means making a new base while keeping the existing denture teeth. Also, as you age, your mouth naturally changes. These changes cause your dentures to loosen, making chewing difficult and irritating your gums. At a minimum, you should see your dentist annually for a checkup.
Note: Often Dental Implants can be used to support dentures if the gum tissue and bone are no longer adequate. This can be a less expense altrenative to complete implant tooth replacement.
Here are tips for caring for your dentures:
- When handling your dentures, stand over a folded towel or basin of water. Dentures are delicate and may break if dropped.
- Don't let your dentures dry out. Place them in a denture cleanser soaking solution or in plain water when you're not wearing them. Never use hot water, which can cause them to warp.
- Brushing your dentures daily will remove food deposits and plaque, and help prevent them from becoming stained. An ultrasonic cleaner may be used to care for your dentures, but it does not replace a thorough daily brushing.
Brush your gums, tongue and palate every morning with a soft-bristled brush before you insert your dentures. This stimulates circulation in your tissues and helps remove plaque.
- See your dentist if your dentures break, chip, crack or become loose. Don't be tempted to adjust them yourself this can damage them beyond repair.
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